Method and apparatus starting an internal combustion engine

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a convolute spring disposed akout an arbor which in turn is coaxially mounted upon a crankshaft of the engine. The spring serves to drive the crankshaft through a one-way clutch operably connected between the arbor and the crankshaft. The spring is fastened at the other end to a spring casing which is mounted for unidirectional rotation about the crankshaft. A spring rewind drive train drivingly connects the crankshaft with the spring casing and is operable to rotate the spring casing to rewind the starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine. A unique hydraulic system is provided for releasing the starter spring to start the engine once a fuel primer system has achieved a predetermined pressure sufficient to insure starting fuel flow. A further hydraulic system is provided for automatically resetting the starter spring release to rewind the starter spring upon starting of the engine. A hydraulic lockout means automatically terminates the rewinding operation upon winding the spring to a predetermined extent. The lockout precludes overwinding and excessive wear during operation of the engine. The method includes the steps of hydraulically releasing a spring biased arbor connected through a one-way clutch to the engine crankshaft, transmitting torque energy from a wound spring to the engine crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft and starting the internal combustion engine. Further, the method includes hydraulically resetting the arbor arm to stop rotation thereof automatically upon starting of the internal combustion engine, rewinding the starter spring for subsequent use, and hydraulically terminating the rewinding process upon the starter spring achieving the rewound condition.

United States Patent n91 Dooley METHOD AND APPARATUS STARTING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE James L. Dooley, Santa Monica, Calif.

[73] Assignee: McCulloch Corporation, L05 1 Angeles, Calif.

[22] Filed: Apr. 24, 1973 [21] Appl. N0.: 354,086

[75] Inventor:

[52] U.S. CL... 123/179 S, 123/179 P, 123/1875 R,

2,271,383 1 1942 Wynne et 61 I 2,744,586 5/1956 Blankenburg 123/179 S 2,974,658 3/1961 111153611"; 123/179 s 2,987,057 6/1961 -Kopp 123/179 s 3,139,877 7/1964 Graybill 123/179's 3,140,703 7/1964 Barr 123/179 s 3,692,010 9 1972 Dooley et a1. 123/179 5 x Primary ExaminerCharles J. Myhre Assistant Examiner-W. Rutledge, Jr.

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Burns, Doane, Swecker & Mathis 57 I ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a convolute 1451 Dec. 10, 1974 spring disposed about an arbor which in turn is coaxi ally mounted upon a crankshaft of the engine. The spring serves to drive the crankshaft through a oneway clutch operably connected between the arbor and the crankshaft. The spring is fastened at the other end to a spring casing which is mounted for unidirectional rotation about the crankshaft. A spring rewind drive train drivingly connects the crankshaft with the spring casing and is operable to rotate the spring casing to rewind the starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine. A unique hydraulic system is provided for releasing the starter spring to start the engine once a fuel primer system has achieved a predetermined pressure sufficient to insure starting fuel flow. A further hydraulic system is provided for automatically resetting the starter spring release to rewind the starter spring upon starting of the engine. A hydraulic lockout means automatically terminates the rewinding operation upon winding the spring to a predetermined extent. The lockout precludes overwinding and excessive wear during operation of the engine.

The method includes the steps of hydraulically releasing a spring biased arbor connected through a one-way clutch to the engine crankshaft, transmitting torque energy from a wound spring to the engine crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft and starting the internal combustion engine. Further, the method includes hydraulically resetting the arbor arm to stop rotation thereof automatically upon starting of the internal combustion engine, rewinding the starter spring for subsequent use, and hydraulically terminating the rewinding process upon the starter spring achieving a rewound condition.

5 Claims, 10Drawing Figures FIG 3 SHEET 2 OF 5 PMENIEL BEE] 01974 SHEET 3 BF 5 PATENTEB HEB I 0 I974 sum 5 or s METHOD AND APPARATUS STARTINGAN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE RELATED PATENTS This invention relates to a copending application by Richard N. Paquette, assigned to the assignee of the subject application, entitled Method and Apparatus for Starting an Internal Combustion Engine, Ser. No. 354,087, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,978.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine. More particularly the invention relates to a method and apparatus for priming the fuel system before applying cranking action on compression ignition engines.

The diesel engine is currently used in a wide spectrum of applications for driving devices such as cement mixers, pumps, generators, and vehicles such as, for example, boats. It has long been recognized that starting a cold diesel engine is generally a difficult matter. Many procedures and devices have been developed for facilitating cold engine starting such as the use of compressed air, introduction of heated airinto the cylinder, and the injection of various fluid materials into the cylinders. All of these approaches for facilitating cold starting of diesel engines require a significant amount of additional auxiliary apparatus and are generally expensive to incorporate within a conventional engine or present logistics supply problems. Moveover the reliability of such engine starting facilitating methods and devices have been less than desirable in many applications such as in the field or in cold remote areas, and, of course, reliability is of primary importancein these aforementioned applications. a

The direct manual starting of a diesel engine is a difficult matter for a grown-man and should hardly be attempted by a woman or child. Therefore, a distinct disadvantage exists in diesel engines which ,must be hand cranked even when such diesel engines are provided with the aforementioned starter facilitating features. Moreover, if the diesel engine should be turned over too slowly during the starting process, there is a tendency for the compressed gas to leak through various cally coordinate full fuel priming with engine starting spaces in the piston cylinders, and the cold walls of the chamber have a longer time in which to act on and cool the compressed gas so as to impede ignition and starting. Another disadvantage in turning the crankshaft of an engine over too slowly during the starting of the engine is that the fuel injection system may often fail to inject a satisfactory mist into the chamber for combustion. This disadvantage similarly impedes proper ignition and starting of the engine.

Therefore, it can be generally said fast ignition of a compression ignition internal combustion engine requires that the engine be turned over very rapidly during the starter period. Also, it would be advantageous if a system could be provided which would permit a woman or child to provide the energy for rotating the crankshaft for proper starting. This last advantage is of particular significance in relation to the application of diesel engines to small boats or as auxiliary engines on large boats or electric generators for emergency power, etc.

Diesel engines are further typically provided with fuel priming systems of a manual type wherein pumping that reliable and actuation to maximize reliable starting of the engine.

In the context of the foregoing basic objectives, the invention is further concerned with the elimination of cumbersome, complex expensive and often unreliable control mechanisms heretofore often encountered in the art. More particularly, the presently known state of the art indicates a need for a compact, reliable starter control mechanism, operable with minimum manipulation, efficient in design and rugged in operation, which may be easily incorporated on a conventional engine frame or housing.

In this connection it would be highly desirable to provide a starting system for an internal combustion engine which will be compact, reliable, relatively inexpensive, highly efficient in design and rugged in operation, utilizing a minumum number of moving parts.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a novel method and-apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine which will obviate or minimize problems often encountered in the prior art such able starting of the internal combustion engine.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus which will insure that a fuel injection or carburetion system of an internal combustion engine is pressurized to a predetermined extent prior to actuation of the starting system for the internal combustion engine.

It is yet anotherobject of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine wherein upon a fuel primer system achieving a predetermined pressurization the internal combustion engine will be automatically started.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine which is particularly adapted to cold-starting diesel engines.

It is yet still another object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for starting an inter-' nal combustion engine which ensures that the engine will be turned over very rapidly during the starting period.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine which may be operated by a woman or small child with the same results of reliability and quick ignition as if the system were operated by a full grown man. a

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine which minimizes problems of gas leakage past the piston cylinders, loss of compressed charge heat through cold walls of the cylinder, and lack of fuel pressure for properly spraying fuel into the fuel injection system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine which is highly reliable in operation.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine which is adaptable to existing conventional internal combustion engine equipment.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine which is highly. efficient in design and lends itself to ease of manufacture, installation and operation.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine which automatically rewinds the starter spring upon a starting of the internal combustion engine.

It is an additional object of theinvention to provide a novel method and apparatus for controlling a starting spring for an internal combustion engine whereby the automatic rewinding system may be automatically terminated upon rewinding of the starter spring.

BRIEF SUMMARY A method and apparatus operable for starting an internal combustion engine which is suitable to achieve at least some of the foregoing objects includes an arbor means mounted for rotation upon an engine crankshaft by way of a one-way clutch. The arbor means, crankshaft, and one-way clutch are arranged so that torque is transmitted only from the arbor means to the crankshaft. A spring casing is mounted to freely rotate about the exterior of the arbor. A convolute spring is connected between the spring casing and the arbor. A starter spring release mechanism including a primer fuel actuated hydraulic means releases the arbor to drive the crankshaft under bias of the previously wound starter spring. Hydraulic means are provided for automatically resetting the starter spring release means following starting of the internal combustion engine. A starter spring rewind drive train is operatively connected between the engine crankshaft and the spring casing means to automatically rewind the starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine. A hydraulic means is also provided for automatically disengaging the starter spring rewind drive train upon the starter spring achieving a previously determined rewound condition.

A method for controlling a spring starter for an internal combustion engine includes releasing, by hydraulic actuation, a spring-biased arbor arm connected through a one-way clutch to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The next step includes transmitting torque energy from a wound spring to the arbor arm to rotate the crankshaft and start the internal combusion engine. Following starting'of the intemalcombustion engine, the method includes hydraulically resetting an arbor arm stop to interfere with at least a portion of the arbor arm and to stop rotation thereof automatically I upon starting of the internal combustion engine. The final two steps include rewinding a spring casing automatically upon starting of the internal combustion engine and hydraulically stopping the rewinding process automatically upon the starter achieving a rewound condition.

THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is described in the following detailed description which may best be understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view showing in elevation an overall spring starting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 22 in FIG. 1, and particularly discloses a starter spring release mechanism in contact with an arbor arm of the starter spring system;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 33 in FIG. 1 and particularly discloses a convolute starter spring and a starterspring casing rewind spur gear set;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along section line 44 in FIG. 1 and discloses a hydraulically operable starter spring release mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an assembly for actuating a starter spring release mechanism utilizing a fuel primer system for the internal combustion engine;

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the hydraulically operable starter spring automatic release and reset mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 in FIG. 1 and discloses an automatic rewind drive train for rewinding the starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine;

FIG. 8 is a partial detailed view taken along section line 88 in FIG. 10 and discloses in detail the operation of a hydraulic valve suitable to control actuation of a hydraulic lockout for the automatic spring starter rewind system;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along section line 99 in FIG. land discloses in detail a hydraulic lockout system for preventing the starter spring from being over wound; and

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view taken along section 7 line 10--10 in FIG. 4 and discloses an arbor arm slider having a tang which rides within a spiral groove on the exterior surface of the starter spring casing and carries another tang suitable to operate a hydraulic valve of the starter spring rewind lockout mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views thereof, FIGS. ll, 2 and 3 show an overall spring starter system for an internal combustion engine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, an engine crankshaft 10, or an extension thereof, is rotatably arbor is further mounted for unidirectional rotation V with respect to the shaft 10 by the provision of one-way or overrunning clutch means 28 and 30.

The unidirectional clutches 28 and 30 may be of a conventional commercial type. In this connection, one type suitable for this intended use may be identified as a drawn cup roller clutch in a publication KC 10 M7/67 of the Torrington Company of Torrington, Conn., United States of America.

By the provision of overrunning clutches 28 and 30 I the shaft 10 may be rotated clockwise relative to the arbor 20. However, counterclockwise relative rotation of the shaft 10 with respect to arbor 20 will activate the clutches to unify the arbor with the shaft in clockwise rotation. The effect of this clutching system is that when the shaft 10 is rotating clockwise, more rapidly than the arbor, the clutches are freewheeling. Such a condition exists when the internal combustion engine is running under power. However, in the event the arbor 20 is rotated in a clockwise direction at a relative rate faster than the shaft 10, as when the engine is being started, the clutches effectively unify the arbor 20 with the shaft 10. Still another way of stating the same thing is to say that the arbor may drive the shaft in a clockwise direction, but the shaft may never drive the arbor in a clockwise direction. The significance of this mounting arrangement will become apparent during a The arbor 20 in cross section is polygonally shaped into a spiral-like form, enlarging in a clockwise direction, so as to define a spiral winding core, note FIG. 3.

From the foregoing description of the spring casing 18, arbor 20 and spring 32, it will be appreciated that if the spring casing 18 is rotated clockwise, relative to the arbor 20, the spring 32 will be wound. Conversely, the spring 32 may be unwound by rotating the arbor 20 in a clockwise direction relative to the spring casing 18.

Starter Spring Release Mechanism In order to permit the spring to transfer potential energy stored therein to the arbor and start the internal combustion engine a starter spring release mechanism is provided. One preferred form of this release mechanism is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawings.

The spring release mechanism includes an arbor arm 52 which is fixedly connected to the arbor 20 by an interference ring 54, note FIG. 1. The arbor arm 52 radially projects along an exterior surface of the spring casing 18 and terminates at approximately the outer periphery thereof. I

In order to prevent the arbor arm 52 and the arbor 20 from rotating continuously in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 4, a rod or sear 58 is fashioned to reciprocate within a cylindrical opening 60 fashioned through the engine casing 12. In order to maintain a seal between the rod 58 and the aperture 60, a channel 62 is circumferentially formed within the rod 58. The channel carries an O-ring 64 of a conventional design which is suitable to maintain the seal integrity of the reciprocating sear within the aperture 60.

The tip of the rod or sear 58 may be provided with a lateral offset portion 68 which is compatible to mate with a laterally offset portion 56 on the arbor arm.

When it is desired to start the internal combustion engine by rotating the crankshaft 10 in a clockwise direction, the sear 58 is longitudinally extracted, note arrow A in FIGS. 4 and 6, from interference with the tip of the arbor arm 52. Once the rod or sear 58 has been withdrawn from contact with the arbor arm 52, the arbor arm and arbor are free to rotate and drive, through the one-way clutches 28 and 30, the crankshaft 10 in a clockwise direction for starting the engine in a manner which will be discussed more fully hereinafter.

In order to actuate the rod or sear 58, reference may be had to the structure of FIGS. 4-6.

More specifically a hydraulic cylinder 70 is integrally formed on the outer engine housing 12. The cylinder 70 is covered at one end thereof with a cover plate 72. The other end of the cylinder is closed except for entry of the previously mentioned aperture 60 formed within the housing 12. Also as previously mentioned the aperture 60 serves to slidably receive the rod or sear 58 which projects into the interior of cylinder 70. A piston head 74 is connected to the rod 58, therefore hydraulic actuation of the piston head 74 within cylinder 70 serves to translate sear or rod 58 within the aperture 60.

Hydraulic actuation of the piston head 74 may be advantageously achieved by a fuel primer system such as depicted in FIG. 5. The fuel primer system 80 includes a fuel tank 82 which is suitable to deliver combustible fuel through a line 84, a pair of check valves 86 and 88 and into manually operable and remotely located fuel primer pumps 90 and 92 respectively. From the primer pumps the fuel passes through another pair of check valves 94 and 96, through a filter 98 to line 99 which delivers the fuel to a fuel injection system 100. A bleed line 102 is alsoconnected to the fuel injection system to remove excess fuel and air or vapor and deliver it back to the fuel tank 82.

A tap-off line 104 is connected into the fuel line 99 prior to the fuel entering the injection system 100. This tap-off feeds into a lower portion of the cylinder 70 connected to the engine casing 12 as at 106.

The piston head 74 within the cylinder is connected to the sear 58, which extends through the engine casing 12 into contact with the outer extremity of the arbor arm 52, as previously discussed.

Fuel from the fuel system is fed into the cylinder 70 in a position beneath the piston head 74. Therefore, as the fuel system is primed, as is conventional procedure prior to starting the engine, the primer fuel may be utilized to build up pressure and actuate the sear 58 in the direction of arrow A to release the arbor arm 52. Re-

lease of the arbor arm will serve to permit rotation of the crankshaft and starting of the engine.

The timing of release of the arbor arm 52 with respect to priming of the fuel system may be regulated by the provision of a biasing means or compression spring 110 positioned between the cover plate 72 over the remote end of the cylinder 70 and the upper surface of the piston 74.

As an example, the spring 110 may be selected to require a fuel pressure of 10 psi behind the piston 74 before the sear will be raised. Therefore, the fuel injection system 100 will be fully primed to a pressure of 10 psi before the engine starting system can be activated. The ultimate result is that the engine starting maybe more reliable than has been the case with previously known devices.

Starter Spring Rewind Drive Train Once the sear 58 is withdrawn from contact with the arbor arm 52 by the fuel priming system 80, the arbor will be free to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4 under the bias of the wound spring 32. The wound spring 32 transfers its potential energy into kinetic energy by rapidly rotating the arbor 20 and the crankshaft 10in a clockwise direction through the oneway clutches 28 and 30. This rapid rotation of the crankshaft will serve to start the internal combustion engine.

Once the engine is started, however, and is operating on its own power, the speed of rotation of the crankshaft 10 will increase sothat the shaft 10 is rotating more rapidly than the arbor 20. The arbor 20, however, will not be driven by the shaft 10 because the one-way clutches 28 and 30 are freewheeling when the shaft is rotating clockwise relative to the arbor, as previously discussed.

Once the internal combustion engine is started by the spring starter system it would be highly desirable to automatically rewind the starter spring, utilizing the energy generated by the engine, so that after the engine is shut down, it may be conveniently restarted.

Rewinding the starter spring 32 is achieved by a rewinding drive train which includes a cam 120, note FIG. 7, keyed to an outer portion of the drive shaft 10 by a disc 122. A winding arm 124 is mounted through a one-way overrunning clutch 126, at one end upon an auxiliary shaft 72. The shaft-72 is supported within the housing 12 by bearings 74 and 76. The clutch 126 may be of the Torrington type as previously described.

The other end of the winding arm l24extends into tangential contact with the periphery of the cam 120 as at 128. Following contact is maintained between the winding arm 124 and the cam 120 by the provision of a biasing system 130. The biasing system includes, for example, an outer compression spring 132 in combination with an inner compression spring 134. The compression springs 132 and 134 extend through a service aperture 136 within the wall of the engine casing 12 and into abutting contact with an end cap 138. The end cap is releasably connected to the engine casing 12 by conventional fastening means. The other end of the compression springs 132 and 134 surround a projection 140 which is attached to a retaining bracket 142. The retaining bracket in turn is mounted upon thefree end 144 of the winding arm 124.

It will therefore be appreciated that by the provision of the biasing system 130 the winding arm 124 may be maintained in tangential riding contact with the peripheral surface of the cam 120.

As the crankshaft 10 rotates in a clockwise direction the winding arm 124 will thus oscillate back and forth as indicated by directional arrows C. This oscillating motion is transferred to the auxiliary shaft 72 through the one-way clutch 126 so that during clockwise movement of the winding arm 124, as produced by rotation of the cam 120, the clutch slips thus transferring no torque to the auxiliary shaft 72. However, when the winding arm 124 is swinging in a return counterclockwise direction, under the influence of the biasing system 130, the clutch 126 will engage, and transmit torque into the auxiliary shaft 72 to rotate the shaft in a counterclockwise direction.

A second oppositely mounted one-way clutch 127 is connected between the shaft 72 and the permanently stationary engine housing 12. Therefore counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 72 is permitted because the clutch 127 is freewheeling or slips in that direction. However, when the shaft 72 attempts to rotate in a clockwise direction the clutch 127 will engage and prevent clockwise rotation of the auxiliary shaft.

Counterclockwise rotation of the auxiliary shaft 72 may be transferred directly to the spring casing 18 by the provision of a spur gear set 150, note FIG. 1. More particularly, a first spur gear 152 is fixedly connected to the auxiliary shaft 72 by a provision of a radially extending pin 154, note FIG. 1. Spur gear-152 is .suitabl to mesh with a ring spur gear 156, which is fixedly connected about the periphery of the spring housing 18 by the provision of a plurality of transversely extending conventional fastening means 158.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that upon starting of the internal combustion engine the drive shaft 10 is suitable to ratchet the winding arm 124 which drives the spur gear 152 in a counterclockwise direction. Spur gear 152 in turnwill drive the ring gear 156 and the spring casing 18 in a clockwise direction. The spring 32, however, may not be rewound by merely rotating the casing 18, since the arbor 20 is also free to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Automatic Starter Spring Rewind Reset Mechanism In order for the starter spring 32 to be rewound, it is first necessary to reset the rod or sear 58 into blocking or interfering engagement with the tip of the arbor arm 52. This resetting function is achieved automatically according to the subject invention by the provision of a hydraulic system which will now be discussed in detail with reference particularly to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6.

More particularly with reference to FIG. 1 it will be appreciated that once the internal combustion engine is started, a pump 160 may be powered which will serve to pump oil from an oil pan portion 162 of the engine casing 12 through a screen 164, past selected moving elements in a piston and cylinder assemblies of the internal combustion engine (not shown) and into a generally horizontally extending oil galley 166. Oil from galley 166 may flow through a passage 167 down to the crankshaft 10 for lubricating the bearings between the crankshaft 10 and the arbor arm 20 as indicated by flow arrows D. The flow of oil to moving parts within an internal combustion engine serves to lubricate and thus improve the wear characteristics of the engine.

Oil from the pump 160 may be diverted from the galley 166 as at 168 for flow in the general direction of arrow E. By referring now particularly to FIGS. 4 and 8, it may be seen that the flow of oil E is horizontally diverted into a passage 170 and then traverses a valve chamber 172 to another transversely extending passage 174 and then vertically through channel 176. Channel 176 terminates by opening into the hydraulic cylinder 70 at the outer end thereof as at 180.

From the foregoing structural description it will be appreciated that in the event thesear or rod 58 is lifted by the piston head 74 in order to start the engine, upon starting, the engine will automatically pump oil behind the piston 74 to translate the sear downwardly in the direction of arrow F. The tip of the sear 58 will then reengage the tip of the arbor arm 52. Moreover, it will be appreciated that as long as the internal combustion engine is running, a pressure will be maintained behind the piston 74 to maintain the sear in an inwardly projecting posture in interference with the arbor arm 52.

Once the sear 58 is repositioned to limit rotational motion of the arbor arm 52, the arbor and the inner end of the convolute spring 32 will be held against rotation. Thereafter continued clockwise rotation of the spring casing 18, as driven by the previously described drive train connected to the engine crankshaft 10, will serve to rewind the starter spring.

Starter Spring Rewind Automatic Shutoff From the foregoing it will be appreciated that upon starting of the internal combustion engine the convolute starting spring may be automatically rewound. The following discussion will be directed to a system for automatically stopping the winding process, once the spring has been rewound.

The automatic rewind shutoff assembly, note FIG. 9, includes a cylinder 200 fixedly mounted with respect to the engine casing 12. A piston 202 is mounted within the cylinder 200 for reciprocation generally toward and away from the winding arm 124. The piston 202 is provided on the lower face thereof with a normally projecting rod 204 which is suitable for translation through a supporting sleeve 206. I

The winding arm 124 is provided with a generally transversely extending abutment arm 208 having a free end 210 thereof generally in alignment with the rod 204. In the event the rod 204 is fully extended inwardly within the casing 12,'a free end portion 212 thereof will abut the free end portion 210 of the ann 208. Once the rod 204 goes solid with the arm 208 the winding arm 124 may be held, against the biasing system 130, away from tangential contact with the cam 120.

Once the piston 202 is actuated and the winding arm 124 is held out of engagement with the cam 120, winding motion of the casing and thus the convolute spring 32 will cease.

Actuation of the piston 202, and thus interruption of the spring rewinding process, may be achieved by a control system as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 1,.8 and 10. More particularly the arbor arm 52 is provided with a sliding sleeve 220. The lower end of the sleeve is fashioned with a normally projecting tang 222 which serves to ride within a spiral channel 224 formed upon the radially extending surface of the spring housing 18.

In the event the arbor 20, and thus the arbor arm 52, is rotated in a relative clockwise direction with respect to the casing 18, the slider 220 will ride within channels 224 toward the hub 228 of the arbor arm. Such inward radial motion of the slider 220 will occur upon starting the internal combustion engine when the spring casing 18 is maintained stationery with respect to the engine casing 12 and the arbor is released to rotate the crankshaft 10.

The slider 220 is provided at an upper end thereof with an oppositely directed normally extending tab 230. The tab 230 projects beneath a shaft extension 232 of a spring biased valve 234, note FIG. 8.

The valve 234 is biased by the spring 236 against a seat 238 within the engine casing 12, to block the flow of oil from the chamber 172 to a passage 240. The passage 240 leads to a transversely extending chamber 242 which traverses an upper portion of the engine housing 12 and feeds through a sloping channel 244, note FIG. 9, in an upper portion of the cylinder 200. Thus, if oil is delivered to the passage 240, it will flow to the cylinder 200 and actuate the piston 202 for terminating winding motion of the spring casing 18.

Once the sear 58 is released and the arbor arm 52 rotates to start the internal combustion engine, as previously discussed, the slider 220 will traverse to the hub of the arbor arm 52 and thus the valve 234 will be closed. The closed character of valve 234 will block the flow of oil from pump 160 to the cylinder 200, even though the engine is running. This mode will be the case shortly following starting of the intemalcombustion engine.

As soon as the engine is started, as previously discussed, oil pressure in the lubrication system will build up and automatically reset the sear 58 which in turn will stop rotation of the arbor arm 52. The spring casing 18 will then be ratcheted through the starter spring rewind drive train in a clockwise direction relative to the arbor arm, and the slider 220 will then be carried by the channel 224 radially outward.

After about six rotations or so of the casing 18 relative to the arbor arm 34, the convolute spring '32 will be rewound sufficiently to restart the engine and the slider will have traversed to a point where the tang 230 raises the valve 234 off of the valve seat'238, not FIGS. 8 and 10. Oil will then be free to flow into the channel 240 and behind the piston 202 to interrupt contact between the winding arm 124 and the cam 120 of the starter spring rewind drive train and stop the automatic rewinding of the convolute spring 32.

The system has thus been automatically rewound and in the event the engine is shut down, it may be readily restarted by operating the primer system as previously discussed.

Hand Rewind In the event that the internal combustion engine fails to start during an initial application of the starter spring, and the spring becomes unwound, the system may readily be rewound by even a woman or child. In this connection a conventional crank may be manually applied to the normally extending tangs 252 mounted upon one end of the auxiliary shaft 72, note FIG. 1, to rewind the starter spring manually.

Once the spring has been manually rewound it may then be actuated as previously described to start the internal combustion engine.

Spring Starting and Automatic Rewinding Sequence By the provision of the foregoing described apparatus, it is possible to conveniently and readily start an internal combustion engine by merely priming the fuel system 80. Such manual manipulation serves to effectively withdraw the sear 58 from interfering contact with the tip of arbor arm 52. The arbor is then free to rotate in a clockwise direction to drive, through the unidirectional clutches 28 and 30, the crankshaft in a clockwise direction.

Conventionally, the convolute spring 32 may be designed to render approximately six. complete revolutions of the crankshaft 10, which is suitable in most instances to start the internal combustion engine.

Upon starting of the internal combustion engine the crankshaft 10 will rotate in a clockwise direction relative to the casing 18 and thus the clutches 28 and 30 will be freewheeling.

The cam 120 serves to oscillate the winding arm 124 which transmits counterclockwise ratchet motion to the auxiliary shaft 72 through the oppositely acting one-way clutches 126 and 127, as previously discussed. The counterclockwise rotation of the auxiliary shaft 72 acts through the spur gear set 150 to rotate the casing 18 in a clockwise direction. However, at least initially, the arbor arm 52 is free to rotate along with the spring casing 18 with a slight lost motion through the convolute spring 32.

Once the engine is fully started, oil pressure within the lubrication system will build up and automatically reset the sear 58 as previously outlined. Resetting of the sear 58 serves to interfere with and block clockwise rotation of arbor arm .52.

Once rotation of arbor arm 52 is impaired, the casing 18 will rotate in 'a clockwise direction relative thereto and wind the convolute spring 32. As the convolute spring 32 is rewound and the casing 18 is rotating clockwise relative to the arbor arm 52, the slider 220 translates radially outward. Once the spring has been wound approximately six revolutions, the slider opens valve 234 to permit oil to flow to the cylinder 200. The piston 202 will then beactuated to interrupt contact of the winding arm 124 with the cam 120. Rewinding of the convolute spring 32 will then terminate.

By the apparatus and method previously discussed a starter spring has been utilized to readily and conveniently start an internal combustion engine and automatically rewind itself for subsequent starting operatrons.

Once the engine is shut down oil pressure behind the piston 184 and the piston 202 will dissipate. In this connection clearances between the elements and/or small channels may be provided whereby oil behind the pistons may drain back to the oil pan 162. Once this is achieved, the piston 184 may be easily actuated to start the system and the biasing means 130 will serve to reposition the piston 202 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 9, and thus permit a winding operation to proceed during a subsequent starting operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF MAJOR ADVANTAGES Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine, wherein full priming is reliably achieved prior to actuation of the engine starting assembly. The coordination of fuel priming and starter actuation of the apparatus ensures a high degree of reliability in operation.

The rapidity with which the spring arrangement of the present invention may rotate the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine ensures good starting characteristics even for starting of diesel engines. Of course,

the invention is not limited to use in diesel engine application.

The operation of the present invention is automatic and due to the positive control of the winding process. overwinding of the main starter spring is precluded.

-Moreover, in the event the engine does not initially start, a woman or child may readily manually rewind the starter system.

Since the starter system of the present invention may turn a crankshaft over very rapidly, a gas charge is not given sufficient time during a compression or expansion stroke to lose heat to the cylinder walls of a cold engine. The high speed of crankshaft rotation also ensures adequate fuel pump pressure to properly spray fuel into the combustion chamber and does not permit known systems. Moreover, past requirements for high manufacturing tolerances are reduced and thus potential manufacturing error is minimized.

Under normal conditions the subject system is fully automatic, once initially actuated, to start an engine automatically and rewind for a subsequent starting operation.

In describing the invention, reference has been made to specific embodiments and particular manufacturing components. However, these configurations and embodiments have been disclosed in many instances by way of example only. For example, Torrington one-way clutches have been described as they are well known. However, a variety of other one-way clutch or ratchet mechanisms may be employed'in the practice of the invention. The winding spring has been illustrated as a unitized assembly with the spring casing means fabricated from a series of components However, the single spring may be replaced by two or more coaxially related springs and the housing could be effectively unitized. Indeed the overall apparatus is susceptible to changes in structure and function which will fall within the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, modifications, substitutions, deletions and other changes not specifically described may be made which will fall within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine having at least an engine casing and a crankshaft said apparatus including:

arbor means rotatingly mounted on said crankshaft and connected thereto by one-way clutch means;

said arbor means, crankshaft and one-way clutch means being arranged so that torque may be transmitted only from said arbor means to said crankshaft;

spring casing means mounted to rotate freely upon said arbor means;

a first end of the starter spring being connected with starter spring release means for releasing said arbor an arbor arm stop means connected to the engine casing and operatively translatable into and out of engagement with said arbor arm;

hydraulic means for automatically translating arbor arm stop means into engagement with said arbor arm to stop rotation of said arbor means and permit said starter spring to be rewound following means to drive the crankshaft under the bias of said 5 the starting of the internal combustion engine;

starter spring through said one-way clutch means means operatively connected to said spring casing fer startthg the thterhat Combustion ehgthe Said means for permitting unidirectional rotation lease means including an arbor arm radially exh f;

tehdthg from Said arbor Theahs; a starter spring rewind drive train for operably conah ether arm p means eohheeted t the ehgihe t0 necting said crankshaft with said spring casing easing and operatively trahslatable lhte ahd out means to automatically rewind said starter spring of ehgagemeht with Said arbor arm; upon starting of the internal combustion engine;

hydraulic means for automatically translating arbor and arm Stop means i engagement with Said arbor hydraulic means for automatically disengaging said m tostop rotanon, of Sand arbor means and e starter spring rewind drive train from operative sald starter spfmg to be rewoulnd follolwmg engagement with said crankshaft upon rewinding the stamngof the Internal combllsuort engmei said starter spring to a wound condition wherein means operatively connectedto said spring cas ng the improvement comprises:

31:22 for permttmg umdlrectlonal rotatlon a hydraulic cylinder connected to the engine cas- 2 starter l rewind drive train f" operably a pis ton positioned within said cylinder and connecting said crankshaft with said spring cas ng acted to Said arbor arm stopmeans; and means to qutomatlcaily rewmd Said setter Spimg hydraulic means for acutating said piston to dis- :rpgn starting of the internal combustion engine; engage said arbor arm Stop means, from Said hydraulic means for automatically disengaging said 312, igl s' ggfii gf fif g i 223 3 123? Starter Spring f drive train from opeirative ternal comiustion engine, said hidraulic engagement with said crankshaft upon rewinding means including said starter spring to a wound condition wherein fl k t f m f l r the improvement comprises: a m age x 6 1 m a pnine a hydraulic cylinder connected to the engine casm.eans the mteina combustion n ing; said fluid linkage being connected to said hya piston positioned within said cylinder and condrauhc .Cy.hnder for actuating Sald piston nested Said arbor arm Stop means; and upon priming the fuel for said internal comhydraulic means connected to a fuel primer sysbustle engme' tem for Said internal Combustion engine and g 3. An apparatus for controlling a starter spr ng for an said hydraulic Cylinder for actuating said piston internal combustion engine as defined in claim 2 and to disengage said arbor arm stop means from t compnsmg: said arbor arm thus releasing said arbor means blaslng means Connected between said P n t0 drive the engine Crankshaft for Starting the 40 said cylinder to resist hydraulic actuation of said internal combustion engine upon said fuel piston until the fuel pressure level within the fuel primer system being primed to a 'predeterpl'lmer means h achteved a predetermined "3 gmined desired pressure sufficient to insure nitude for starting the internal combustion engine. starting fuel flow. 2. An apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an A method F e Starter spnhg t ah internal combustion engine having at least an engine temal eombusheh ehglhe havlhg least ah ehglhe Casing and a crankshaft Said apparatus including; mg and a crankshaft said method including the steps of:

arbor means rotatingly mounted on said crankshaft and connected thereto by one-way clutch means; releasthg a Spring blased arbor f Connected said arbor means, crankshaft and one-way clutch through a y eluteh t0 the engine Crankshaft;

means being arranged so that torque may be transmitted only from said arbor means to said cranktrahsmtttthg torque energy from a Wound Starter shaft; spring to the engine crankshaft for rotating the Spring casing means mounted to rotate f l upon crankshaft and starting the internal combustion ensaid arbor means; glhe;

a first end of the starter spring being connected with hydraulically resetting ah arbor arm p to interfere said arbor means and a second end of the starter with at least a Portion of the ether arm and to p Spring b i connected i h id Casing means; rotation thereof automatically upon starting of the starter spring release means for releasing said arbor internal Combustion ng n means to drive the crankshaft under the bias of said nd flg 3 Sta ter spring Casing automatically upon starter spring through said one-way clutch means starting of the internal combustion engine; and

for starting the internal combustion engine said rehydr ulically stopping the rewinding process auto- Iease means including an arbor arm radially exmatically upon the starter spring achieving a detending from said arbor means; sired rewound condition wherein the improvement comprises: actuating a fuel primer system for the internal combustion engine;

ternal combustion engine as defined in claim 4 and fur ther comprising the step of:

biasing the arbor arm stop into engagement with the arbor arm to resist said step of hydraulically removing the arbor arm stop out of engagement with the arbor arm whereby a predetermined pressure will build up in the priming fuel system before the spring biased arbor arm is released.

l l l l 

1. An apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine having at least an engine casing and a crankshaft said apparatus including: arbor means rotatingly mounted on said crankshaft and connected thereto by one-way clutch means; said arbor means, crankshaft and one-way clutch means being arranged so that torque may be transmitted only from said arbor means to said crankshaft; spring casing means mounted to rotate freely upon said arbor means; a first end of the starter spring being connected with said arbor means and a second end of the starter spring being connected with said casing means; starter spring release means for releasing said arbor means to drive the crankshaft under the bias of said starter spring through said one-way clutch means for starting the internal combustion engine said release means including an arbor arm radially extending from said arbor means; an arbor arm stop means connected to the engine casing and operatively translatable into and out of engagement with said arbor arm; hydraulic means for automatically translating arbor arm stop means into engagement with said arbor arm to stop rotation of said arbor means and permit said starter spring to be rewound following the starting of the internal combustion engine; means operatively connected to said spring casing means for permitting unidirectional rotation thereof; a starter spring rewind drive train for operably connecting said crankshaft with said sprinG casing means to automatically rewind said starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine; and hydraulic means for automatically disengaging said starter spring rewind drive train from operative engagement with said crankshaft upon rewinding said starter spring to a wound condition wherein the improvement comprises: a hydraulic cylinder connected to the engine casing; a piston positioned within said cylinder and connected to said arbor arm stop means; and hydraulic means connected to a fuel primer system for said internal combustion engine and said hydraulic cylinder for actuating said piston to disengage said arbor arm stop means from said arbor arm thus releasing said arbor means to drive the engine crankshaft for starting the internal combustion engine upon said fuel primer system being primed to a predetermined desired pressure sufficient to insure starting fuel flow.
 2. An apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine having at least an engine casing and a crankshaft said apparatus including: arbor means rotatingly mounted on said crankshaft and connected thereto by one-way clutch means; said arbor means, crankshaft and one-way clutch means being arranged so that torque may be transmitted only from said arbor means to said crankshaft; spring casing means mounted to rotate freely upon said arbor means; a first end of the starter spring being connected with said arbor means and a second end of the starter spring being connected with said casing means; starter spring release means for releasing said arbor means to drive the crankshaft under the bias of said starter spring through said one-way clutch means for starting the internal combustion engine said release means including an arbor arm radially extending from said arbor means; an arbor arm stop means connected to the engine casing and operatively translatable into and out of engagement with said arbor arm; hydraulic means for automatically translating arbor arm stop means into engagement with said arbor arm to stop rotation of said arbor means and permit said starter spring to be rewound following the starting of the internal combustion engine; means operatively connected to said spring casing means for permitting unidirectional rotation thereof; a starter spring rewind drive train for operably connecting said crankshaft with said spring casing means to automatically rewind said starter spring upon starting of the internal combustion engine; and hydraulic means for automatically disengaging said starter spring rewind drive train from operative engagement with said crankshaft upon rewinding said starter spring to a wound condition wherein the improvement comprises: a hydraulic cylinder connected to the engine casing; a piston positioned within said cylinder and connected to said arbor arm stop means; and hydraulic means for acutating said piston to disengage said arbor arm stop means from said arbor arm thus releasing said arbor means to drive the engine crankshaft for starting the internal combustion engine, said hydraulic means including a fluid linkage extending from a fuel primer means for the internal combustion engine, said fluid linkage being connected to said hydraulic cylinder for actuating said piston upon priming the fuel for said internal combustion engine.
 3. An apparatus for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine as defined in claim 2 and further comprising: biasing means connected between said piston and said cylinder to resist hydraulic actuation of said piston until the fuel pressure level within the fuel primer means has achieved a predetermined magnitude for starting the internal combustion engine.
 4. A method for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine having at least an engine casing and a crankshaft said method including the steps of: releasing a spring biased arbor arm connected through a oNe-way clutch to the engine crankshaft; transmitting torque energy from a wound starter spring to the engine crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft and starting the internal combustion engine; hydraulically resetting an arbor arm stop to interfere with at least a portion of the arbor arm and to stop rotation thereof automatically upon starting of the internal combustion engine; rewinding a starter spring casing automatically upon starting of the internal combustion engine; and hydraulically stopping the rewinding process automatically upon the starter spring achieving a desired rewound condition wherein the improvement comprises: actuating a fuel primer system for the internal combustion engine; directing at least a portion of the priming fuel to a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly connected to the arbor arm stop; and hydraulically removing, in response to actuating the fuel primer system, the arbor arm stop out of engagement with the arbor arm for releasing the spring biased arbor arm and starting the internal combustion engine.
 5. A method for controlling a starter spring for an internal combustion engine as defined in claim 4 and further comprising the step of: biasing the arbor arm stop into engagement with the arbor arm to resist said step of hydraulically removing the arbor arm stop out of engagement with the arbor arm whereby a predetermined pressure will build up in the priming fuel system before the spring biased arbor arm is released. 